An invitation to shape global sustainability together from CSIR@80 | G-STIC Pretoria

From 8 to 10 October 2025, more than 1,500 participants gathered in Pretoria, South Africa, for the first G-STIC Conference on African soil, uniting global voices on how science, technology and innovation can drive a just and inclusive transition.

High-level speakers, including Hon. Prof. Blade Nzimande (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation - Government of South Africa), Thulani Dlamini (CEO - CSIR), Leen Govaerts (Director Water & Energy Transition - VITO) and Dietrich Van der Weken (General Manager - G-STIC), highlighted how lasting sustainability depends on working together across sectors, disciplines and borders.

Africa at the heart of global sustainability

Hosted by G-STIC in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as part of the CSIR’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the conference celebrated eight decades of scientific excellence and innovation that have transformed South Africa and inspired research and collaboration across the African continent.

By bringing G-STIC to Pretoria, the conference underscored Africa’s growing role in global sustainability dialogues, opening the stage for local innovation and regional expertise to inspire worldwide transitions.

From ambition to action

Discussions throughout the conference explored how transformative technologies and innovation can accelerate sustainable change across key sectors; from health and water to energy systems and circular industry.

Experts and practitioners shared experiences from across Africa and beyond, showing how local solutions, such as decentralised water-energy systems and bio-based technologies, can address global challenges. Sessions on health and resilience demonstrated how international cooperation under the 2030 Agenda can strengthen communities and deliver impact where it matters most.

The exchanges also made one thing clear: technology itself is not the barrier. Real progress depends on governance, collaboration and finance working together to bring solutions to scale.

A global collective for systemic change

The Pretoria edition embodied what G-STIC stands for: connecting innovation, policy and finance to make systemic change possible and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Building on the momentum of Pretoria, this mission continues to:

Embed science, technology and innovation at the heart of climate action;
Integrate proven solutions into national and regional strategies; and
Connect innovators and funders to drive a just and inclusive transition.

Behind the science

Participants also had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the CSIR, exploring cutting-edge research facilities and projects driving sustainable solutions in materials science, energy innovation and environmental technologies.

These visits offered first-hand insight into how the CSIR’s legacy of innovation continues to shape South Africa’s sustainable future — a testament to the organisation’s role as a scientific leader on the continent.

“Let us leave Pretoria not only inspired, but mobilised. Let us turn the insights of this week into real-world projects, partnerships and investments that accelerate the transition to a fair, resilient and sustainable society. The journey ahead is complex, but as we have seen here, it is also full of opportunity.”
- Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager, G-STIC